Universal Studios Recreational Group

Shinobu Ikazaki/Bloomberg

Universal Studios Recreational Group

Co-owned by Blackstone and NBC Universal, the amusement parks group—consisting of four theme parks and one water park—pulled in 25.7 million global visitors in 2008, putting it No. 3 in the rankings. Industry watchers reckon the company will get a big boost from the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to open this year at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park. The 20-acre site will offer wizard-themed roller coasters, a Hogwarts-styled castle, and other attractions based on the popular Harry Potter children's books and movies.